VETERINARY MEDICINE

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https://kubanni.abu.edu.ng/handle/123456789/31

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Browsing VETERINARY MEDICINE by Subject "(Coturnix coturnix japonica),"

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    OCCURRENCE, MORPHOMETRIC IDENTIFICATION AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL LESIONS OF EIMERIA SPECIES IN JAPANESE QUAILS (Coturnix coturnix japonica) IN ZARIA, NIGERIA.
    (2014-10) UMAR, HALILU,; ADINOYI.
    Coccidiosis is one of the most important diseases of poultry worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence and identify the species of Eimeria causing coccidiosis in quails in Zaria. The samples for the study were collected in Sabon Gari and Zaria Local Government Areas of Kaduna State. Four hundred faecal samples were collected from 10 farms, 40 pooled from each farm. They were processed using simple floatation technique and examined at x10 and x40 objective of microscope. Oocysts shape indices (length/width) of sporulated oocysts were determined by measuring their length and width using a calibrated ocular micrometer at x40 magnificationand calculating the ratios of the length and width.Fifty birds were selected at random from the sampled farms and sacrificed. The intestines were harvested and observed for gross lesions. Segments of the intestine were taken to the laboratory and opened up, and the intestinal contents were removed, examined and analyzed using Geimsa, Haematoxylin &Eosin stain and then observed microscopically for the developmental stages of the parasite. A total prevalence of 45.75% was recorded forEimeriainfection, most of which were nonclinical. Information gotten from observations and questions asked showed that100% percent of the farms had an incidence of water spillage, while 50% had a high stocking density. Frequency of litter disposal was poor in 60% of the farms and 80% of the farmers did not practice the prophylactic use of coccidiostats.Four species of Eimeria were detected, with only Eimeria bateriidentified and conforming to the guidelines provided.The main gross lesion seen was non-haemorrhagic ballooning of the caeca. Intestinal scrapping smear revealed a developmental stage of the parasite (merozoites) in the jejunum. Histopathology also revealed a developmental stage (schizont) of the parasite in the caecum and desquamation of the epithelial lining with areas of necrosis.In viii conclusion, the study showed that there was a relatively high prevalence of Eimeriainfection in quails in Sabon Gari and Zaria Local Government Areas of Zaria.Damp environment and poor biosecurity practices were the predisposing factors for the disease transmission. However the infections were inapparent and Eimeria bateri was the only Eimeria spp confirmed in this study.